AN AWARD-WINNING Peebles chef is stepping up to the plate as the new caterer at the town's Golf Club later this month.

The new contact between Rathbone Restaurants Ltd and Peebles Golf Club, will see the Osso Restaurant cook Ally McGrath take on the role as Executive Chef.

As previously reported in the Peeblesshire News, the club launched a search for a new caterer after husband and wife team James and Yvonne Lees, who run Jazz Catering, handed in their notice and plated up for the final time on Sunday, April 30.

Graham Lowther from the Golf Club said: "I’m delighted to announce that we have agreed a new catering contract with Rathbone Restaurants Ltd.

"Rathbone own the well known Peebles restaurant “Osso” and have an excellent reputation for both high quality dining and large scale catering.

"The club will benefit from the support of Ally McGrath as Executive Chef, who will be responsible for menu design and food \ service quality at the club.

"The new menus will focus on fresh locally sourced food, will vary on a regular basis, and include “Golf Club fare” at prices in line with the current menus.

"This will not be “Osso at PGC” but both parties are committed to providing good quality food to members and their guests."

The new contract commences on Monday, May 22 and the kitchen will be closed for three days for some small layout changes, with a soft launch on Thursday, May 25. 

Rathbone have confirmed that they will offer employment to all existing catering and waiting staff.

Catering will be provided on a seven day per week basis over the summer and all existing function bookings will be re-confirmed with members.

Catering will only be available to members (and their guests) plus visiting golfers.

As is currently the case, functions will require a member to make the booking and will be subject to approval by the Committee.

Graham added: "The Board and Rathbone believe that this is an exciting opportunity for both parties. I am sure members will agree. Members should be aware the that Rathbone will pay rent to the Club based upon income generated from food sales.

"The house is not included in the contract and the Board is reviewing options for future usage.

"There will be an inevitable period of disruption as the new team get used to the clubhouse and members get used to the new menus and new faces.

"I hope that all members will be patient and support the Peebles Golf Club and Rathbone teams through this exciting change."

For further information, visit: www.peeblesgolfclub.com